Things to try

Taking the time to plan out an enjoyable day for yourself can give you something to look forward to, and the day itself can have numerous benefits ranging from reduced feelings of burnout to more energy and a fresher perspective. Instead of wondering what you should do, think about what you want to do. Though taking a joyride in a stolen Ferrari isn’t recommended, Ferris Bueller had some pretty good ideas—taking a long shower, hanging with your friends, going to the top of a tall building, treating yourself to a nice lunch, catching some sports, visiting a museum, singing and dancing, soaking in a hot tub are ideas that might help you start dreaming up your own options.

Walking might sound almost too easy to be effective, but it elevates your heart rate enough to count as exercise and also has some amazing benefits. Research shows it can boost your mood, energy level, creativity, and productivity, making it a perfect way to clear your head and take a break. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression, strengthen your immune system, and improve heart health. This makes it a great habit to stay physically and mentally strong so you’re better equipped to deal with stress.

Humor has a lot of power. Watching a comedic movie or even a standup comedy special may seem like a bandaid, but it has the potential to tap into the depths of your true self. (This goes back to the common phrase, "It's funny because it's true.") Finding ways to laugh at pieces of art (comedy is art!) has been something people have done for centuries to cope and reflect on the human experience. Comedy can help you feel a little better by highlighting what's important to you and the silver linings of life's ups and downs.

TLDR: Weighted blankets work. Weighted vests even work for our animal friends! And there are even weighted stuffed animals.The science is simple: It's like being tucked in – safe and secure – or like a big hug from someone you love. The weight in a weighted blanket is proven to help settle nerves and improve sleep, which in turn has all sorts of benefits for your health.

Pets can provide comfort, companionship, and more often than not, a laugh, when you need it most. Science also backs up the benefits of having a pet on your mental health. Spend some time playing with your pet and enjoying each other company. If you don’t have a pet but love animals, consider volunteering at a shelter or visiting a neighbor or a friend with a pet.

Sending out a simple text asking how someone you care about is doing can offer mutual benefits for you both. Doing so reinforces your connectedness to others, and helps to remind you that you have support when you might need it.

Aside from helping others, volunteering has amazing feel-good effects for you. You'll also experience elevated oxytocin levels and a dopamine release along with a sense of meaning that can help reduce stress and burnout. Volunteering is also a great way to build and strengthen social connections, which is increasingly important as social isolation is on the rise. In addition to making new connections when you volunteer, you might make existing connections even stronger when you volunteer with loved ones. (One study even shows that couples who volunteer together were more likely to stay together.)